The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched the regulatory instruments for the National Sovereignty Cloud Initiative (NSCI), a federal government program aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and expanding the country’s cloud infrastructure. The initiative is made up of the National Computing Guideline, the National Cloud Technical Guideline, the National Digital Infrastructure Assurance Framework, and the National Cloud Investment Strategy.
Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the instruments are intended to provide the regulatory clarity, technical standards, and assurance needed to build a trusted cloud ecosystem that protects Nigeria’s digital assets while encouraging innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth. He added that Nigeria should position itself not only to serve the local market, but also to become a digital hub for West and Central Africa, which he said would require stronger infrastructure and collective action from regulators and stakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, said the launch reflects the federal government’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s data borders and digital economy. He noted that keeping government data within national jurisdiction and local control would support data sovereignty, compliance, local cloud growth, job creation, and opportunities for indigenous investors and innovators.
In a goodwill message, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Dr. Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, welcomed the collaborative effort, saying effective digital regulation depends on coordinated action among institutions with shared national goals. He stressed that the CBN’s role in the financial system and NITDA’s role in digital infrastructure are complementary, not competitive, and together can help Nigeria become a trusted African centre for digital finance and cloud innovation.
Galaxy Backbone Managing Director/CEO Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju also praised the initiative, saying it comes at the right time, especially after the CBN’s directive requiring banks and financial institutions to localize their data. He said the NSCI could boost the sector by attracting investment, developing local talent, and creating jobs. NITDA further announced that a Sovereign Cloud Governance Committee will be set up within two weeks to supervise implementation, with representatives from government, regulators, industry, and the private sector.
